New Zealand recorded their largest-ever victory in Test cricket, steamrolling Zimbabwe in a dominant three-day display in Bulawayo as debutant bowler Zakary Foulkes wrote his name into the history books with a stunning performance.

Rising to the occasion in his maiden Test, 22-year-old Foulkes claimed nine wickets across both innings—four in the first and a devastating five-wicket haul in the second—setting a new benchmark for most wickets on debut by a New Zealand Test player. His swing and accuracy left Zimbabwe’s batters searching for answers and anchored a one-sided bowling performance that broke several team records.

Batting barrage sets the stage for New Zealand

The scale of New Zealand’s dominance was evident from the outset. After dismissing Zimbabwe for just 125 in the first innings, with Foulkes and senior pacer Matt Henry sharing nine wickets, the Black Caps unleashed an extraordinary batting display. Devon Conway ended his 949-day century drought with a glorious 153, while Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra piled on unbeaten centuries of 150 and 165 respectively. New Zealand raced to a mammoth 601/3their highest-ever total against Zimbabwe, amassing a lead of 476 runs by stumps on day two.

Nicholls’ century lifted him past the legendary Stephen Fleming for Test hundreds, underscoring the quality and experience in a Black Caps lineup bolstered by the aggression of Ravindra, who scored at over a run a ball, and the resilience of Conway.

Zakary Foulkes makes instant impact

While New Zealand’s batting fireworks grabbed headlines, the story of the match was the emergence of Foulkes. Called into the side following a string of impressive domestic performances for Canterbury, Foulkes displayed calm nerves and relentless precision to decimate Zimbabwe’s fragile line-up. In the first innings, his disciplined line and ability to generate late swing saw him finish with figures of 4/38, complementing Henry’s five-for.

As Zimbabwe sought a comeback in the second innings, Foulkes stepped up once more, tearing through the middle order for a five-wicket haul (5/37) and etching his name into the record books. His overall match tally of nine wickets on debut eclipsed all previous New Zealand records for a first Test appearance.

Record-breaking win for the Black Caps

New Zealand wrapped up Zimbabwe’s second innings for just 117 and won the match by an innings and 359 runs – their biggest victory margin in Tests.

The comprehensive nature of the win—powered by runs, centuries and Foulkes’ magical bowling—left no doubt about the Black Caps’ supremacy in the two-match series and their promising depth.

Capping off the second Test and a 2-0 sweep, the result marks a watershed moment for New Zealand cricket, with fresh faces like Foulkes showing that the future is bright.